RIYADH – Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced the start of the Umrah season by beginning the issuance of electronic visas in this regard.
Umrah pilgrims can now start arriving in the Kingdom on the first day of Muharram which falls on July 19 as the kingdom has successfully completed the Hajj operation recently.
The ministry said that submitting applications for e-visa issuance would be through the Nusuk platform which is known for streamlining the process of welcoming Muslims to the holy cities. Through this platform, individuals worldwide can easily apply for electronic visas and access a range of services, related to pilgrimage.
The platform is a one-stop solution for information related to maps in multiple languages, residency, and other issues which Umrah pilgrims face.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah had previously stated that Muslims who hold visas for tourism from Gulf Cooperation Council Countries, as well as those with entry visas to Schengen countries, the US and the UK, have the opportunity before their arrival in the Kingdom to make reservations for Umrah through the Nusuk application.
The Umrah visa can now be obtained within 24 hours, and its duration has been extended from 30 days to 90 days. Additionally, there are no health requirements for obtaining the visa, and women are not required to be accompanied by a male guardian or Mehram.
This was the first time after Covid-19 that the Saudi government made arrangements for over 2 million Hajj pilgrims who landed in the kingdom. The hajj operation has been completed and no noticeable untoward incident has happened in the kingdom which is a remarkable feat.
